DRAFFENVILLE– Rodney’s IGA closed its doors for the last time last Wednesday.

On Thursday morning, employees of Food Giant were in the store working to restore a refrigeration system that had been down since well before Thanksgiving, bringing in new equipment, cleaning and restocking shelves.

The store is currently closed until work can be completed.

Matt Moss, district supervisor with Food Giant, says he is hopeful the store can be up and running by December 18.

Greg Smith, owner of Rodney’s IGA, said he had been approached within the past month about selling the store. He made the decision to do so only very recently. Smith’s family had operated the store since the early 1990’s

He said the timing of the breakdown of his refrigeration system, which left shelves bare, and the sale of the store was a coincidence.

Moss said Food Giant is excited about the opening in Draffenville.

“We hope to make this a store that caters more to the local customer. Our pricing is competitive and we pride ourselves in friendly, hometown service,” he said.

He said they are hoping to do a complete remodel of the store down the road. For now, they are taking care of the things that must be done to get the store reopened.

The store will include a bakery and a deli. Moss said the famous Food Giant fried chicken will be sold at the Draffenville location.

Moss says Food Giant plans to place a weekly sale circular in The Tribune-Courier and online ads are available at foodgiantstores.com.

Employees of Rodney’s IGA have been told they can apply for positions with Food Giant. Moss said some positions may be available and indicated anyone interested should stop by the store at 72 US Highway 68 and pick up an application.

With locations in Calvert City and nearby Reidland, Food Giant owns approximately 100 stores in eight states.